Today we learned that United's 787 Dreamliner isn't exactly revolutionary, but it's quiet and fuel efficient. Could it really be as good on gas as, say, a Subaru STI? One of our readers decided to find out.

On Sunday, November 4th at 7:20 AM, United flew their first passenger flight with a Boeing 787…
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In other math, I can fit 5 people max in my '06 STI and get 17mpg on a good day (with my driving style). So, per mile, I can move 5 people for 17 miles on 1 gallon.

United's spec on the 787 is 219 passengers, and using your math, gets 0.267mpg. So, that plane can move 219 people (not counting flight crew) for .267 miles on 1 gallon.

To move the same amount of people that a 787 can at once for 1 mile, my Subaru would need to make 44 round trips, or 88 one ways, at 17mpg. 88/17=5.17 gallons. The 787 in that same mile needs 3.74 gallons.

Further:
219 people via the Subaru is 219/5.17=42.35 people per gallon per mile.
219 people via the 787 is 219/3.74=58.55 people per gallon per mile.
That's a lot more than I expected, if I'm honest.

So there you have it, folks. If you need to move 219 people a long distance, you'll definitely want to buy a 787 over a Subaru STI. The question remains, which one is more fun to drive?